Arrive Saturday night Which Character Dinner?

[firsttime]

Hi
We arrive Saturday afternoon for our first ever trip. We would like to take the kids, 6 and 7 out to a character dinner that night. Would love some ideas on which to do.

Thanks

[Megan's Mom]

We arrive on a Saturday as well and was trying to pick between Trail's End Buffet and a character meal. I would like input as well.

[swankybeth]

I guess that really depends if you're more interested in the food or in the atmosphere and characters! Personally I think Chef Mickey's is great for the characters and fun atmosphere, but lacks in food quality. On the other hand, 1900 Park Fare has good food, but the character interaction is not quite the same as Chef Mickey's (currently they hold a Cinderella dinner).

[Tiger Fan]

Chef Mickey's is a first for the first night. Nothing gets you in the Disney spirit better. We think the food is great here too. It's also a good idea to get some of the basic autographs out of the way during this meal and saves time in the parks.
Have a wonderful trip.
Lisa

[MaryKatesMom]

Uber-Disney.

[LAWalz23]

Chef Mickey's is our traditional first night dinner. It gets us in the mood for the rest of the trip. Based on our trip 3 weeks ago, I definately agree with Swankybeth, Chef mickey's has better character interaction and Park Faire better food. It also depends on the characters you would like to see.
If you have the unlimited park hoppers you could also make a reservation at Crystal Palace and have dinner with Pooh and Friends. The food there is good, too! My mom said they had the best prime rib of all the buffets the week we were there.

[Minniespal]

If you don't want to go into a park my vote would be for Chef Mickey's!!

[Kaitysmom]

Chef Mickey's is great fun - you can watch the monorails zipping through the hotel while you eat. Fun, almost party like interaction with the characters. For us, it is the ultimate Disney experience - the food isn't that bad, just not great. You're not really there for the food anyways.

Another fun way to kick off your vacation is going to the Hoop Dee Doo Revue over at FW.

[Ratpack]

Another vote for Chef Mickey's. We always start there as well.